11 disciplines for Harvest Festival traditional games
KOTA KINABALU: A total of 11 disciplines will be contested in the traditional games to be held as part of the State-Level Harvest Festival 2018 celebration festivities happening at KDCA Penampang on May 30 and 31.
The disciplines are mipulos (arm wrestling), migazat dukug (tug-of-war), tuhun tavakas (strongman), momolositik (slingshot), rampanau (giant paw walk) sipatu tompulalanggoi (giant wooden sandal walk) tumutu (padi processing), monungkava kalabau (buffalo lassoing), monopuk (blowpipe), mobpiri (light a fire) and manandus (membujak).
The tuhun tavakas is for men only, while sipatu tompulalanggoi and tumutu are for mixed entries. Others are open for men and women.
Patron of the Traditional Games Executives Committee, Datuk Louis Rampas, who is also chairman of the Sabah Sports Board, said registration for entries was still open until the 11th hour on the event day on Wednesday.
“Those interested to join can come directly to the competition venue and register as participants. Entry is free and all the games will take place in the KDCA compound.
“As in previous years, we expect another encouraging turnout and we have no doubt the traditional games will steal all the attention like always,” said Louis in a press conference at the Sabah Sports Board in Likas yesterday.
He said the traditional games were among some of the festivities for the Harvest Festival celebrations alongside others including art performances, traditional house exhibitions, agriculture produce, cultural tools and several indoor events like the Unduk Ngadau (beauty pageant) and Sugandoi (singing contest).
“There will be cash prizes to be won and some of the individual games offer bigger prizes than others, while the migazat dukug of course offers the biggest as it is a team event.
“The games are scheduled to begin at 9am on both days and Datuk Peter Anthony, who is the chairman of the Harvest Festival Celebrations Main Committee-cum-Minister of Infrastructure Development, is expected to officiate at the opening day on Wednesday.
“Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal is expected to officiate at the closing ceremony the following day,” said Luois.
Also present was Sabah Sports Board general manager Datuk Penyuki Matta and his deputy Mohd Asneh Mohd Noor.